2023 Coca-Cola’s Award for Excellence in Business Commentary Scholars
Sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate Black students who are enrolled in an accredited four-year college.
Travis Francis Jr
Travis Francis Jr. is an international business major at Loyola University Maryland, with an interest in pursuing a career in international relations and diplomacy. Travis's passion for language and culture has driven him to study multiple languages, including French, Japanese, and Chinese. He has achieved conversational proficiency in Japanese and is currently in the early stages of learning French and Chinese. To further immerse himself in diverse cultural experiences, Travis has had the opportunity to study abroad in Xi'an, China, for two months and Osaka, Japan, for four months at Tie-Yi International High School and Kansai Gaidai University, respectively. Travis's ultimate goal is to enhance his foreign language skills, allowing him to delve into the intricacies of various cultures around the world. He aspires to transcend his identity as a citizen of the United States and become a global citizen, fostering unity and understanding among people from different countries.
Jourdan Johnson
Jourdan Johnson, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is pursuing a major in Media, Journalism, and Film Communications, with a minor in Business Administration at Howard University. Jourdan has gained professional experience through various roles at organizations such as the Office of the People's Counsel, Amazon, George Washington University, and Emerson Collective Youth Collaborative. Jourdan's achievements have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her inclusion on the School of Communications Dean's List, recognition as a Howard University Capstone Scholar, Disney Storyteller Scholar, and being a finalist for HBCU In LA. On campus, Jourdan is involved in various activities, including Student Council, Cover 2 Cover Magazine, and Alternative Spring Break, among others. These engagements allow Jourdan to explore their passion for media, journalism, and film while connecting with like-minded peers.
Kimberly Maitland
Kimberly Maitland is pursuing a double major in English: Creative Writing and Diversity Management, demonstrating her diverse interests and dedication to both creative expression and promoting inclusivity at Cornell College. Kimberly has excelled academically and received several prestigious awards, including the Dean's Scholarship, Cornell Art Award, and recognition on the Provost list for her outstanding academic achievements. Beyond her academic pursuits, Kimberly is actively involved on campus, taking on leadership roles in student organizations such as the Black Awareness Cultural Organization. Additionally, Kimberly serves as an Academic Writing Consultant at the Dungy Writing Studio, utilizing her strong writing skills to assist and support fellow students in their academic endeavors. Looking ahead, Kimberly has aspirations of pursuing a career in human resources, where she can utilize her skills in diversity management and her passion for fostering inclusive work environments.
Marvin Nwanekwu
Marvin Nwanekwu is pursuing a major in finance at The Delaware State University, one of the top-ranking Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. Throughout his college journey, Marvin has gained valuable professional experience through internships with reputable companies such as Wells Fargo and PWC (PricewaterhouseCoopers). In addition to his academic pursuits, Marvin is actively involved in various campus organizations. He is a member of the Men of Color Alliance and the African Students Alliance, which showcase his commitment to fostering inclusivity and creating a supportive community on campus. Furthermore, Marvin holds the position of Vice President in the School's Marketing Club, where he applies his skills in marketing and leadership to contribute to the club's success.
Miranda Smith
Miranda Smith, a student at the University of Richmond, is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a double concentration in Management Consulting and Marketing, accompanied by a Minor in Spanish. Miranda's previous internship with a South African-based company as a consulting intern has provided her with valuable insights into collaboration and effective communication within international teams. In addition to her professional experience, Miranda has demonstrated her commitment to personal growth and development through her role as a data-entry assistant on her university campus. Outside of her academic accomplishments, Miranda showcases her leadership skills and commitment to fostering diversity within the business school as the Media Chair for the diversity coalition at her university.
Leyha Williams
Leyha Williams, a Public Relations major at Howard University, with minors in Sociology and Environmental Studies, hails from Galveston Island, Texas. Leyha's notable experiences with organizations such as the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments, Chevrolet, and National Geographic have provided her with valuable opportunities to utilize storytelling as a powerful tool for promoting environmental sustainability. Driven by her passion and commitment to sustainability, Leyha aspires to become a change agent who strives to create a positive and lasting impact in communities around the world. Leyha's academic pursuits in Public Relations, combined with her minors in Sociology and Environmental Studies, provide her with a well-rounded foundation to address complex social and environmental issues.
